Myrath-Tales of the Sands

Nightmare Records
2011

Myrath (which means 'legacy' in Arabic) are a progressive metal band that incorporates Middle Eastern and Oriental flavors into their music. Formed in 2006 and formerly known as Xtazy they were the first band from Tunisia to be signed on a label. Quite an impressive feat to be sure and certainly well deserved. Following in the footsteps of 2010's well received "Desert Call" the album bridges the gap between progressive metal and power metal with a creative eye geared towards an explosion of color. The band paints a stunning landscape with their skill throughout "Tales of the Sands". Lead by the smooth vocals of Zaher Zorgatti the band has managed to craft an album that is full of surprises, technically sound and fun to listen to. I'd take Myrath and stack them against other progressive metal bands any day. It's funny but this is the sound that Metallica can only dream of having when they tried to sprinkle their later material with Eastern influences. Why I thought of Metallica when listening to this album I'm not quite sure. Other than the fact that some of the technical aspects of Myrath's sound certainly rival Metallica's work this is an entirely different beast. Myrath have a sound that is nothing short of magical. It makes me dream of the Orient and the Middle East. Metallica only gives me nightmares. Speaking of "nightmares" I should mention that
Nightmare's version is for everywhere but EUROPE according to the promo material. Take from that what you will.